Rolling Stone Magazine

One of the chief mouthpieces for the counter culture movement in the 1960s and 1970s was the American Rolling Stone magazine. It was avidly read by those with a left wing political stance who questioned the establishment. Its main priority was writing about the music scene and musicians all clamored to be on the cover.

There have been many iconic covers over the years, including the picture taken by leading photographer, Annie Leibovitz of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was taken on the day of Lennon's assassination in 1980. Many people's careers have been enhanced by contributing to Rolling Stone magazine. The famed director of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter S.Thompson, wrote political pieces during the 1970s. Other guest writers destined for movie directing fame included Robert Altman and Cameron Crowe. Crowe would later tell of his experiences on the publication in his film, Almost Famous. Cartoonist Ralph Steadman was another contributor.

The magazine has always been highly regarded for its record and movie reviews, influencing public opinion since Jann Wenner co-founded it in 1967. The lists that it produced in the 2000s were also eagerly anticipated with categories such as 100 Greatest Guitarists and 500 Greatest Albums.

A mix of cultural and social commentary has been the trademark, but in keeping with high standards of journalism. This credibility began to erode during the 1980s and 1990s when Rolling Stone magazine lost many fans due to its shift to presenting film and television celebrities and generally going more into the mainstream. Critics pointed out that they lagged behind the times when it came to including new musical genres. Circulation dropped as a result but there has been resurgence of late. The more serious political and music articles have returned and readers look to the writers for like-minded opinions once again.

The glory days may be over and getting on the cover is not the milestone that it once was, but the magazine is gaining respect once more. Editorials speak out against the George W. Bush government and social commentary has become a priority again. The quest to attract a younger readership by offering titillating photographs of the likes of Janet Jackson and Britney Spears has given way to more serious journalism. Rolling Stone Magazine is still a wonderful opportunity for any emerging writer or photographer to cut their teeth. Society gets the press it deserves and this magazine will surely rise in accordance with a flourishing anti-establishment movement, something that lay buried for a while in the hearts of aging hippies who had loved it so.

About the Author: